Sybil Ludington - The Female Paul Revere

Anthony22 at the English language Wikipedia
[GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or Public domain],
  via Wikimedia Commons

Sybil Ludington, whose father was Colonel Henry Ludington, is not know to most. On the night of April 26, 1777, word got out that British troops were preparing to invade Danbury, Connecticut. The 16-year-old Ludington took off on horseback that and traveled first to Danbury to warn its citizens. From there, she continued on to alert the militiamen under her father's leadership. The whole trip was around 40 miles and more than twice the distance that Paul Revere had to travel on horseback.

Thanks to her, she may have saved the lives of many in Danbury. The afternoon after Sybil traveled through Danbury, the British troops reached the city and burned down three buildings and an unknown number of houses. Unfortunately, some citizens in Danbury were killed by the British. According to family recollections, as written by her great grandson, she left at 9 PM and didn't finish the ride until the sun was rising. She followed a path from Carmel and on to Mahopac. From there, she went onto Kent Cliffs, to Farmers Mills and back home. She had a stick with her that she used to keep her horse going, to knock on doors of citizens to warn them, and to even fight off a highwayman (a thief that robs travelers). She'd returned home tired and rain-drenched after warning the militia force of 400 troops and her father of the British movements.

The militiamen didn't make it in time to defend Danbury, but were able to push New York Colonial Governor General Williams Tryon and his men back to the Long Island Sound. For her brave actions, she became deeply respected in her neighborhood, by her friends, and was even thanked by George Washington, a general at the time.

Other facts about Sybil Ludington:

- Her name is spelled "Sibbell" on her gravestone at Maple Avenue Cemetery, Patterson, New York
- There is a historical marker at the cemetery telling of Sybil and Henry. Both of whom are buried in the cemetery
- A statue is dedicated to her in Carmel, New York.
- She was born on April 5, 1761 in Kent, New York and died on February 26, 1839 at the age of 77 in     Catskill, New York.

More about Sybil Ludington at historicpatterson.org

Shikellamy - Oneida Chief and Iroquois Representative in Pennsylvania

By Jacques Reich (probably based on an 
earlier work by another artist) 
[Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Born around 1690 in New York State, Shikellamy (sometimes spelled Shikellimy, also known as Swatane) was originally a member of the Susquehannock tribe. Though Susquehannocks referred to themselves as Andastes. When the tribe settled at Conestoga, they gave up war and disagreeing members left the tribe and joined other tribes. Shikellamy was one of the individuals to leave the Andastes and joined up with the Oneida. He became a part of the Oquacho (Wolf Tribe). It's said that he rose quickly within the tribe and was a leader amongst the tribe. By the year of 1728, he was the representative of the Six Nations in dealings with the proprietary colonial government. He even became favorable amongst the English.

In the summer of 1745, Shikellamy visited Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and spent three weeks there. During the time, he met with many men and made friendships with them. Of all the visitors in that summer, he was the one that was most revered, impressive and respected in the eyes of the English there. Shikellamy was shown the schools and met with students in the (back then) small town. 

After the visit, Bishop Spangenberg, Conrad Weiser, John Joseph, David Zeisberger, Shikellamy, his son John, and Andrew Sattelihu, traveled on to Onondaga, an Iroquois settlement. On this journey, Shikellamy gave the Bishop the name T'girhitonti which meant "row of trees'. John Joseph received the name Hajingonis (one who twists tobacco), David Zeisberger got the the name Ganonsseracheri (on the pumpkin). This would've been around June 10, 1745. Shikellamy served as the voice between the English and the Iroquois in Onondaga. He was also a guide to Conrad Weiser for many years.

He moved to Shamokin (near modern-day Sudbury) in 1742 and spent his last years there, dying on December 6, 1748

Read More about Shikellamy:

Best sources:
Otzinachson: A History of the West Branch Valley of the Susquehanna

On the Frontier with Colonel Antes: Or, The Struggle for Supremacy of the Red and White Races in Pennsylvania

Bishop J. C. F. Cammerhoff's narrative of a journey to Shamokin, Penna. in the winter of 1748

Quick facts:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikellamy

Central Pennsylvania's Standing Stone Trail

The Standing Stone Trail (2), once known as the Link Trail, began its planning stages, and was 'constructed' between 1978 and 1982. Its creation was headed a group of dedicated hikers. Once finished, the trail was 68 miles long. It was that length up until 2014 when the Greenwood Spur became part of the trail and increased the length of the trail to around 80 miles. The trail has varying altitudes ranging from around 660 feet up to 2380 feet at its highest place. The Standing Stone trail is also connected to the Tuscarora Trail and the Mid State Trail. Furthermore, the trail is one section of the massive, 1,800 mile Great Eastern Trail that begins near the border of Florida and Alabama all the way to the large Finger Lakes Trail in New York State.

The trail goes through four State Game Lands, the state forests of Rothrock and Buchanan, and Rocky Ridge (near Mapleton). It also passes through the countries of Huntingdon, Mifflin and Fulton. Some sections of the trail goes through private lands whose owners have permitted use for the trail.

If you're traveling north on the trail, and heading through Fulton County, then you'll come upon Vanderbilt's Folly. It is an uncompleted rail that was being built under the guidance of William Vanderbilt to give competition to the Pennsylvania Railroad. This was in the latter-1800s. Many train tunnels were dug through the mountains but the rail was never completed due to the the bankrupting of the rail project. After 1940, many parts of the unfinished railway and a few tunnels became a section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Today, one of the tunnels has been abandoned since the Turnpike bypass in 1968.

The name of the trail possibly comes from a Native American trail that was called the Standing Stone Path. It connected Fort Littleton to Fort Standing Stone. Fort Standing Stone which later became Huntingdon. In the mid-1800s, industrialization came to the area and the forests were made into lumber for buildings and homes being built in the area. The forest wood was also used in furnaces to melt the iron ore from the area. Iron became very profitable and the furnaces began to be built all over Central Pennsylvania. The Standing Stone Trail makes use of some of these trails that were used for long-gone railroad grades and logging trails.

At Mapleton, aka Mapleton Depot, the trail goes across the Juniata River at Jacks Narrows. Nearby is the well-known Thousand Steps. The steps were built in the 1950s by workers from the ganister stone. The quarry itself has existed since 1900 and was said to had its most success in the early 1920s. Up there you'll also find an old quarry building.

Around a mile eastward from the Thousands Steps were two Native American trails that were called the Frankstown Path and the Juniata Path. In 1744, the trader Jack Armstrong was killed during a time when tensions were high between Native Americans and Settlers. Armstrong was killed in relation to his trading activities with a Delaware. Shikellamy and Conrad Weiser helped keep tensions low by fully investigating the murder. In memory, Jacks Mountain and Jacks Narrows are named after him.

From the highest point and over Jacks Mountain there is beautiful scenery to be seen. For rock climbers, there are a few areas that are good for a challenge. One such 'challenge' is the yellow-blazed trail that leads to Hunter's Rocks. This trail section is also great for hikers and features rare and endangered flowers, including Obolaria, and the endangered Putty Root Orchid. Also, Lady Slippers are in abundance in this area.

The next part of the trail leads to the Stone Mountain and Hawk Watch and also provides excellent views. This section is an easier part of the trail, as the trail is more level for miles. The trail then heads into Greenwood Furnace State Park. The furnace existed from the mid-1800s and was the last to stop being used. In fact, the furnace and many structures from those days are still standing and provide a great visual history. Greenwood Furnace State Park is also a great place to take a rest, have a swim, and have a picnic in the warm summer months.

If you head north on the Greenwood Spur section of the trail, you'll pass the historic Greenwood fire tower. Past that, you'll be in he Alan Seeger Natural Area. It was named after Alan Seeger, who was American poet and WWI French Foreign Legion Volunteer who died in the Battle of the Somme. It was Colonel Henry Shoemaker who named the area. Also, Alan Seeger was the uncle of Pete Seeger. This part of the trail continues on and connects to the Mid State Trail at the Detweiler Run Natural Area.

Notable places along the trail:

Jacks Narrows and Thousand Steps
Rocky Ridge Natural Area
Stone Mountain and Hawk Watch
Vanderbilt's Folly
Monument Rock
Butler Knob and Throne Room

Waxhaw Massacre - Loyalist Forces and the Continental Army Clash

See page for author [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons

The Waxhaw Massacre went by many names, The Battle of Waxhaws, Buford's Massacre and the Waxhaws. It was a battle that occurred while the Revolutionary War was in full-swing, on May 29, 1780. The battle took place around the area of Lancaster, South Carolina. Abraham Buford was the leader of the Continental Army forces and Banastre Tarleton led the Loyalist forces. British officer Tarleton sent forward a demand for Buford and his forces to surrender and Buford refused. Tarleton's calvary attacked Buford's men and some of them began to surrender. There was a truce and Buford tried to surrender. That truce ended when a shot hit Tarleton's horse and Tarleton was trapped under his now dead horse. The shot caused the Loyalists and the accompanying British troops to begin an attack. This kept going as Tarleton was still trapped and had no control over his men. Continental soldiers, including those who previously surrendered, were attacked by the Brits. 113 Continental soldiers were killed with sabers, 150 other Continentals were severely injured and were left where they were, and 53 were taken as prisoners by the British forces.

It was the Waxhaw Massacre that became a part of a campaign to increase recruitment in the Continental Army. The massacre also created a lot more anger against the British. The act of his own men is something Tarleton knew was a mistake and once he was no longer trapped, he aided some of the Continental soldiers through ordering medical treatment for them. Casualties on the British side were 5 killed and 12 wounded.

For a more detailed account of the Waxhaw Massacre, see:
https://web.archive.org/web/20081217201035/http://www.rsar.org/military/sherm055.pdf

Founding and History of Plain Dealing, Louisiana

When the first family arrived at Plain Dealing it was a wilderness over a large area and without development. Before settlers began the move into the area, the federal government pushed the Caddo Tribe off their lands which were at present-day Plain Dealing. In 1839, the federal government looked to profit off these lands (as they had done with seized lands elsewhere) and sold them to families. Many of whom didn't know the story of the area or how the lands were acquired by the federal government. One of the first families to arrive in the area were the Gilmers. It was George Oglethorpe Gilmer and his oldest son, James Blair Gilmer, that purchase the lands from the government. They bought thousands of acres of land along both sides of the Red River. George had also bought an additional 5,000 acres a few miles from their Red River lands. 

After settling in, the Gilmers began to develop the Plain Dealing Plantation. It was named after the plantation that they owned in Virginia. Of course, that's also where the small town got its name. Plain Dealing is also a title that is interpreted as it is written. That the family was honest and had integrity. Which also applies to the town today. Though names don't always represent the truth.

Years passed and Mary Boutwell Gilmer Vance, who was the daughter of James Gilmer, lived in George Gilmer's old home with her husband, Dr. Samuel Whitfield Vance. Mary died in the year 1859 at age 23 and he died on May 18, 1877, at age 50. After Samuel's death their daughter, Sallie Vance, inherited the Plain Dealing Plantation. The George Gilmer home burned down in a fire in 1888.

Sallie Vance had married S.J. Zeigler in 1877. Though he was known to the family earlier on after he came to Bossier Parish around the year 1870. He was a businessman, and first vice-president of the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, and was working on planning the railroad route that would head to Shreveport. So he chose Plain Dealing to serve the railroad as a stop on the way to Shreveport.

The town began to develop and one of the earliest business, a store, was owned by S.J. Zeigler. The store was at the site of the present-day Walker Brothers Drug Store. As interest in the town began to increase, there was an auction held and Mr. Zeigler arranged for trains to be brought in. These trains carried those who were looking to purchase auctioned lots. A total of 348 lots were sold for a combined sum of $11,414.50.

Prior to the town being named Plain Dealing, it was briefly known as Guernshein after the name of a major stockholder of the railroad company. The town of Plain Dealing became official on April 24, 1890. At the time, the town had less than 100 residents. William Benton Boggs became the town's first mayor after he took office on April 5th, 1890. He would also later become an organizer and president of Plain Dealing first bank and a state senator.

In 1891, Mr. Zeigler donated land for the formation of the Plain Dealing Cemetery. Some of the Gilmer, Vance, and Zeigler families are buried in the cemetery.

The town's first newspaper, The Plain Dealing Progress, began printing in December 1929 under Felix Glynn Phillips. From 1926 to 1849, he was also the principal of Plain Dealing High School. He also helped create the Dogwood Festival, which attracted visitors all over Ark-La-Tex in celebration of the spring blossoms of the Dogwood trees on the North Bossier hills. Although the official festival was ended in 2003, residents still hold their own festival.

Historically, Plain Dealing has been prone to flooding and a project was carried out to reduce this. In 1955, the town and the local Lions Club held a meeting to find a solution to the flood. They applied for assistance through The Small Watershed Program and they had shorelines cleared and leveled, roads blacktopped, debris cleaned up and grass planted after one of these floods. The assistance they received was a total fo $52,000. To prevent future flooding, Dogwood Lake was formed. Dogwood Lake also serves as a resource for wildlife and is a fishing area. Lake Plain Dealing is also used by the public, for water recreation and fishing, and flood control. The third lake, which no longer exists, was used only for flood control. The dams for these lakes were finished in 1961 and Upper West Fork Cypress Bayou received a "Watershed of the Year" award in 1961.

Today, Plain Dealing is still a small town with a good sense of its culture and is known for its past notable residents.

History of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation

The Tonawanda Reservation is located in Genesee County in Western New York and not far from the towns of Batavia, Elba, Oakfield, and Alabama. When I was younger, my father would sometimes take us on Sunday drives through the area and stop off at The Rez Smoke Shop to fill up the gas tank and buy stuff from the store. It's been a long time since I'd been there and their gas station has definitely been upgraded since then. If I remember correctly, they weren't a self-serve the last time we were through there, around 1998. It's strange, thinking back, how even these little experiences have formed who I am.

Anyways, back on subject, the Tonawanda Reservation is settled by the Tonawanda Band of Seneca. Being federally recognized, they live by their traditional ways of governing. The treaty, which made them federally recognized, was the "Treaty with the Tonawanda Senecas." It was signed on November 5th, 1857, Ratified on June 4th, 1858, and Proclaimed on March 31st, 1859.

Charles Eli Mix, Commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the time, represented the U.S. government and representing on behalf the Tonawanda Band were Seneca attorney and diplomat Ely Samuel Parker (Ha-sa-no-an-da), George Sky, Jabez Ground, Isaac Shanks, and Jesse Spring. Along with the treaty and being federally recognized, the land sales of the Treaties of Buffalo Creek were effectively reversed for the tribe and they were able to buy back the lands taken and sold by the Phelps and Gorham purchase.

The Tonawanda Reservation is along the region where the border of the neutrals lived back before they were wiped out during the Beaver Wars. The first tribe to take a hit from the Iroquois (specifically, the Seneca) were the Wenrohronon. They suffered mass casualties in the attack, had their land taken and were forced to flee to Huron lands. It's hard to find any information about the Wenrohronon, as their tribe was absorbed and lost to time. These attacks by the Iroquois were carried out due to the influence of the Dutch in trying to disrupt French trading.

Little by little, the lands of the Tonawanda Reservation are being sold to surrounding interests. Though, it's said the Tonawanda Seneca are more lenient in allowing land to be sold to non-natives, in comparison to other bands of Seneca in the region. In 2015, the population was 458 but that number may not be accurate. In 2010, according to the Census, there were 693 residents.

Bloomingdale Road contains a good amount of businesses on the reservation, including the Rez (mentioned above). Some of the other nearby businesses include:

T P Deli & Fuel Outlet
Two Eagles Smoke Shop and Gas Mart
Joandy's
Sacajawea Smoke Shop

History of the Senecas on Amazon

Elba, New York History, Early Years, and its Founding

Elba, New York, a town best known for its mucklands, onion-growing, and farms, was developed by an act of NYS to divide Batavia. The act was passed on March 14th, 1820 and Elba became a town comprised of 38,000 acres. Back then, and before the second division on April 11th, 1842, Elba included what is now Oakfield. and today the town is 22,631 acres in size.

Old Photos of Elba, NY

On April 14th, 1820, a town meeting was held at Nehemiah Ingersoll's tavern on Oak Orchard Road.

Elected as the town's government were:

Lemuel Foster - Supervisor
Mason Turner - Town Clerk and Collector
Isaac Benedict, Erastus Wolcott - Overseers of the Poor
George Will, Charles Woodworth, John Underhill - Assessors
Dudley Sawyer, Mark Turner, Jeremiah Wilford - Commissioners of Highways
Lemuel Foster, Isaac Higley, Jeremiah Wilford - Commissioners of Schools
Eleazur D. Davis, Samuel White, Martin Wilson - School Inspectors
Nehemiah Ingersoll - Poundmaster (caretaker of seized or lost livestock and other farm animals)
Eleazur D. Davis, Ichabod Hinckley, Jessemin Drake - Constables

Elba's Earliest Businesses

In December of 1829, Samuel Laing had a blacksmith shop built (on a 7/10 acre lot)  and began the business of shoeing horses, making tools and various hardware, repairing plows and wagons, and building, repairing wagon wheels. Next to his blacksmith shop, he built a brick building to house a store where he sold merchandise. The business, and later the building, was passed around until the last owner John Benton used it for onion storage. In 1974, the Genesee Country Museum gained ownership of the building and relocated it to Mumford, NY.

Some of the other blacksmith shops that operated in Elba:

John Weber's blacksmith and wagon shop on Maple Avenue - opened December 1896.
James Gourley's blacksmith shop at Lancton Corners - opened in the 1850s.

There were about 10 blacksmith shops operating in Elba in the 1850s. Some of the blacksmiths were William Bradley, Caleb Wells, Ezeriah Wilson, Joshua Wicks, James Emery, Chauncey Hollister, William Dean, Gurley Dean, William Buckingham, Sylvanus Perry, Richard Carl, and Solomon Hill.

Solomon Hill was the most notable, as he was a Revolutionary War veteran that lived to be 104 years old. He moved to Elba some time after the war and died in 1857. Since he had no known relatives in the region, he was buried in an unmarked grave, That is, until 1880 when Sunday School children started a collection to give the Revolutionary War veteran a proper tombstone. He is buried in the Pine Hill Cemetery in Elba.

- - -

The earliest cobbler and bootmaker in the area was J. Emery, who opened his business around 1824 at Daw's Corners. By 1850, there were 13 shoemakers in Elba.

Some of the earliest cooperage shops in Elba were those owned by the Staples family, Genesee Manufacturing Company, A.A. Grinnell, and French & Rugg Company.

Benson B. French and William Rugg also owned a lumber company and had operated since before 1871. Their business was located north of the village of Elba.

Staples & Butterworth owned a lumber company that began operation before 1870.

A.A. Grinnell purchased Staples' business in 1902.

- - -

Some early mercantile shops and stores in Elba include:

A man named Mr. Raymond opened one in 1831 on 1 North Main Street. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1869 and was rebuilt. The rebuilt building still stands today.

The building on 3 North Main Street was a mercantile starting sometime in the 1880s and under the ownership of Milton Conner and William Brailey. This building also still stands today.

The 5th Main Street mercantile was owned by a man named Hundredmark and was built in 1881. The building burned down in 1931.

At 7th Main Street, this mercantile had its roots in a millinery run by Mrs. Emma Brown and Miss Mary A. Caple. They opened their business in 1880 and other business also began to operate in the building Which included a drug store, grocery store, and a bakery. This building still stands.

10 Main Street also got its start as a millinery and was a grocery store by the 1890s. The building was damaged in a fire on September 15th, 1903. Around 2 a.m., the fire was seen by a girl working at the Hotel Swartz and she set off the fire alarm. The Batavia Fire Department made their way to Elba after being told about the fire by telephone. The building was a complete loss and the lot was left empty until 1915 when the Elba Grange Meeting Hall was built.

11 North Main Street  began operation under Tristam Brown as a hardware shop in January of 1878. It was also a grocery store and a restaurant at one time. Also, it may still be a restaurant.

Barton's Store, at 15 North Main Street, was owned by Elliot P. Barton. By 1969, he was in partnership with Stephen L. Maltby and they sold groceries at the store. The building, with various businesses housed in it, changed hands throughout the years. The building still stands today.

- - -

Elba's first hotel, the Pine Hill Hotel, opened in 1815 and was owned by Steve Harmon. The Hotel was destroyed by fire in September of 1874. A new hotel was built and was in operation by July 23, 1875. It was passed down through the years and in 1979, after being acquired by Jim and Steve Goff, it became the Stumblin' Inn. More about the history of the Stumblin' Inn on the Facebook page of the Historical Society of Elba and on the Historical Society of Elba website

The Tornado Windmill Company was opened in 1874 by twenty-something year old brothers Frank E. Barr and Orin C. Barr. The business was quite successful but the Orin Barr's health problems, caused by his inflammatory rheumatism, caused him to 'retire' from the business. He died from complications from his rheumatism on December 22nd, 1880, at around the age of his early thirties. After the loss, Frank closed down their windmill business and found employment elsewhere. Frank caught mumps in 1889 and died on September 13th of that year, around age 40.

The Elba Creamery was opened in July of 1895 and began operations. The first day was very successful for the creamery but a drought soon hit the area and hurt the business. They survived though and the business successful for a while but they began to have more financial troubles over the few years. By 1910 the building was abandoned and sat vacant until a sawdust fire burned the building down. It was the fourth fire flare-up that was too much for the firemen to put out.

Find more at Gazetteer and Biographical Record of Genesee County, N.Y., 1788-1890

Tytoona Cave in Sinking Valley, Blair County, Pennsylvania

A lesser known natural sight in Central Pennsylvania, with an interesting history, is Tytoona Cave in Sinking Valley. It's one of the newer nature preserves in the region. It is officially known as the Tytoona Cave Nature Preserve and is owned by the Huntingdon County chapter of the National Speleological Society after being bought on December 23, 1997 from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The size of the preserve is around 7 acres. 

On the Tytoona Cave's history, it was first described in maps and writings in 1788. One of the earliest stories is of soldiers chasing a few Native American men (who'd just attacked settlers) until they escaped into the cave, causing the soldiers not to follow them. In the 1947 and 1972 there were attempts to turn it into an attraction but nature didn't play along all that well and hurt these developments. The 1972 attempt was the last time anyone tried to commercialize the site.

Regardless of how the cave entrance appears in photos, it's actually quite big. Depending on the time of the year you'll be able to enter the cave and walk a ways in without getting wet. Though it's recommended that you pay attention to every step you take when going inside, for your own safety. Also, don't venture too far in unless you're a professional and never enter the water unless you have diving gear. Tytoona is dangerous and has even claimed the lives of experienced cave explorers, including one in the mid-80s.

The exit is nearly a mile down, at Arch Spring, and is located on private property. So viewing from that side will require permission from the landowner and entry may or may not be possible through the Arch Spring side due to past logjams.

For those interested in visiting Tytoona Cave, there's an opportunity to inspire visitors to learn about the cave and its history. It's a great natural sight to visit and will appeal to everyone, of any age. The entrance to the cave itself is unlike most caves elsewhere in the state and around the country. You can also volunteer to help take care of the cave, its grounds, and help in keeping them clean. They've had problems with vandalism, spray-painting, in the past and some of these volunteers also help keep vandals and "partiers" out.

Learn more about the Tytoona Cave Nature Preserve:

Tytoona Cave: a New NSS Nature Preserve by Garrett Czmor
Tytoona Cave on oocities (archived GeoCities pages)
Tytoona Cave Preserve: A NSS Cave Preserve
Tytoona Cave Nature Preserve
Flickr Photos of Tytoona Cave

The Pine Creek Rail Trail, Pennsylvania's Best Hiking and Biking Trail

The Pine Creek Rail Trail, one of Pennsylvania’s best trails, offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Pine Creek Gorge—often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.” Spanning 62 miles through Tioga and Lycoming Counties, this well-maintained trail is ideal for hiking, cycling, and wildlife observation, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Trail Overview and Features

Beginning just north of Wellsboro and ending in Jersey Shore, the Pine Creek Rail Trail follows the floor of Pine Creek Gorge. The trail’s crushed limestone surface and gentle grade make it accessible for all skill levels. Along the route, visitors encounter campgrounds, comfort stations, and small towns that provide convenient rest stops. The trail hugs Pine Creek for much of its length, offering stunning views of dramatic rock formations, moderate waterfalls, and forested landscapes. Popular activities include fishing for trout, kayaking, canoeing during spring runoff, and horseback riding on designated sections.

Wildlife abounds in the gorge, with sightings of bald eagles, white-tailed deer, river otters, wild turkeys, and even black bears. Seasonal changes enhance the experience: vibrant wildflowers bloom in spring and summer, while autumn transforms the mixed hardwood forests into a tapestry of brilliant colors.

Historical Significance

The trail traces its origins to the Jersey Shore, Pine Creek & Buffalo Railroad, which began operations in 1883. This railway was vital for transporting timber to sawmills along the gorge and coal northward to New York State. Freight trains ran along this line until 1988 when service ceased. Today, remnants of its railroad past—such as old stone mile markers—can still be seen along the trail. Interpretive panels at key trailheads provide insights into the region’s logging and railroad history.

Before the railroad era, Native Americans used the path for travel and raids. Known as the Pine Creek Path, it connected Jersey Shore to Ansonia and beyond. Attempts to convert this rugged route into a wagon road failed due to its challenging terrain.

Access Points and Amenities

Numerous access points make the trail easy to explore. The northern terminus near Wellsboro features parking at Butler Road, while the southern terminus in Jersey Shore offers parking at Railroad Street. Additional access points are located along Route 414 south of Blackwell and near Waterville. The Rattlesnake Rock parking lot is a popular drop-off location for canoeing and shuttle services.

Trailheads like Ansonia provide unique experiences such as horse-drawn wagon rides that traverse a portion of the trail before returning to the starting point. For those seeking panoramic views of Pine Creek Gorge’s depths—reaching up to 1,450 feet—Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park offer spectacular overlooks.

Ecological Importance

Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1968, Pine Creek Gorge spans over 47 miles with nearly 17,000 acres set aside within Tioga State Forest for conservation. Its glacially-carved canyon walls shelter diverse ecosystems that thrive in this protected environment. Migratory fish like trout contribute marine nutrients to freshwater rivers during their lifecycle—a process vital for primary production in local habitats.

The Pine Creek Rail Trail stands as a testament to Pennsylvania’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage while offering recreational opportunities that connect visitors with the state’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Whether exploring on foot or by bike, this trail provides an unforgettable journey through one of Pennsylvania's most iconic regions.

Citations:

1. https://susquehannagreenway.org/land-trails/pine-creek-rail-trail/
2. https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-forests/find-a-forest/tioga/wild-and-natural-areas.html
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Creek_Rail_Trail
4. https://pawilds.com/landscape/pine-creek-valley-pa-grand-canyon/
5. https://pacanyon.com/PineCreekRailTrail.html
6. https://www.visitpottertioga.com/activities/pennsylvania-grand-canyon
7. https://www.traillink.com/trail/pine-creek-rail-trail/
8. https://www.visitpa.com/region/pennsylvania-wilds/pine-creek-gorge-pa-grand-canyon

Details of the Life of Bisbee, Arizona Prospector George Warren

George Warren
By Unknown, published
by S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

George Warren was born in 1835 in Massachusetts. When he was young, his mother died and he lived with his aunt until he turned ten years old. He was then sent off to New Mexico to live with his father. Tragically, he would lose his father when he and his father were attacked by Apaches. George only had non-fatal wounds but his father was killed. After the attack, the Apache took George with them and held him captive for nearly two years. He was let free when some local prospectors saw George and he was released for a trade of sugar. These prospectors would end up being the ones that taught George Warren his trade.

A few photos exist of George Warren since the photographer Camillus Sydney Fly would visit Bisbee and take photos of the miners as they collected their pay. The man on The Great Seal of the State of Arizona is based on one of Fly's photos of George Warren.

George Warren was talked into staking a mining claim by Lt. John Rucker and a man named Ted Byrne after a scout, Jack Dunn, found a good place to mine while looking for a water source. Their only requirement was for Warren to use Dunn's name on all mining claims. George Warren didn't stick by his agreement and got drunk and gambled away the mining stake. Later on, he would get backers to stake new claims. Which would lead to the creation of the Warren Mining District. He also held an interest in the Copper Queen Mine at this time.

George Warren had two serious injuries from fights. He was also known to be a heavy drinker. Once, in a duel, he was shot in the neck. Another time, he was shot in the arm and the leg and he survived both incidents. In other words, he was one tough 'son-of-a-bitch'.

Stories about George Warren, 
other individuals, and the history of 
Arizona are presented in this book 
in the form of poetry.

He lost his investment in the Copper Queen Mine when (probably while drunk) he made a bet with his "friend" George W. Atkins that he could run faster than a horse over a distance of 100 yards. Fifty there and fifty back. The "race" took place on July 3rd, 1880. Warren had the belief that he could beat the horse around the turn back but he was wrong. Though it's said he might have outrun the horse for the first 50 yards until the turn.

In May of 1881, the scheming Atkins had a Cochise County Judge, J.H. Lewis, declare George Warren insane and had him held in an institution in California (possibly for a few years). A man named George Praidham became Warren's guardian and Praidham was ordered to sell the rest of Warren's assets. He sold them for $923 at an auction. Warren was released a while after the sale and only learned about the sale after the release.

George Warren, after finding out about the sale, took off to Mexico to begin mining. In 1885, he discovered a mining claim and had to become a Mexican citizen to take the claim. He went into servitude, working as an interpreter for a Mexican judge, to help pay off a debt of $40. A judge back named G.H. Berry, learned about Warren and his debt, so he paid off Warren's debt for him. Warren then came back to Bisbee after the debt was paid. Once back, Warren worked as a blacksmith and tool dresser while also receiving a small pension from the Copper Queen Mining Company.

His work as a blacksmith and tool dresser didn't last that long. His alcoholism caught up with him and he was little more than what would be considered a janitor, only worse. He was looked down upon by the miners and swept floors and cleaned the chewing tobacco spitting bowls (aka cuspidors) for drinks of whiskey. His lifestyle was little more than that of a rounder, someone who lives for the drink, by this time.

A short time went on and George died in either 1892, 1893, or 1894. Though the most descriptive date puts his death as the date of February 13th, 1893 and the cause of death as pneumonia and heart failure. Broke at the time of his death, George Warren was originally buried in a pauper's grave with a wooden grave marker, with the text G.W. 24, marking his grave in the Bisbee-Lowell Evergreen Cemetery.

He was mostly forgotten until 1914 when the Bisbee Elk's Lodge wanted to put a monument over his grave. They located George Warren's grave, which was likely hard to find since the wooden grave marker was probably gone, and they had him reinterred to a better location in the cemetery. Over his new gravesite, the large monument was put in place. It features the a C.S. Fly's image of him and an inscription, "George Warren Born unknown Died 1892 Poor in Purse, Rich in Friends."

His grave, and the monument, are still present at the Evergreen Cemetery in Bisbee, Arizona.

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman - 1974 Civil Rights Film

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman is a film, adapted from a book of the same name, telling the story of a black woman that was born to parents who were slaves. The film tells of her life as a slave herself from her childhood, into adulthood, and into her elderly years where she became more involved in the civil rights movement. The film sets a tone that makes it seem almost like a documentary in parts. Especially when they show the elderly Jane Pittman. Which had me believing that she was a real person and actually around 110 years old. Cicely's excellent acting and performance in the film is deeply convincing.

By CBS Television (eBay itemphoto frontphoto back)
[Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The book itself, that the movie is based on, was written by the African-American author Ernest J. Gaines. Although slavery ended long before he was born, he grew up in a poor family, who were sharecroppers. They lived in a former slave house, on a plantation, in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. His upbringing and experiences are where a lot of his inspiration for his stories came from.

In the story, she was born with the name of Ticey around the year 1850. When she was 10 years old she was given the name Jane Brown by a Union soldier who informed her that Ticey was a slave name. Two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, in 1865, they left the plantation. While heading North they are attacked by a group of white men patrolling the area. Big Laura, the leader of the free slaves, and her son are killed by the men. Big Laura's other son, Ned, survives and Jane raises him as her own child. She wanted to make it to Ohio but didn't feel she could make it to the state. So she took up paid work at Mr. Bone's plantation. She worked on that plantation for twelve years.

In September of 1873, Ned moved out of the house and moved to Kansas to get away from the danger presented by racists who were after him. While in Kansas he joins the army. After Ned left, Jane meets Joe Pittman and they get married. The couple moves to a ranch on the Texas-Louisiana border where Joe has found a job at.

Three years later, in June of 1876, Joe Pittman dies after a tragic accident that occurred while he was trying to recover a horse that got loose.

To see the rest of the book/movie's time, see the visual timeline at Jane Pittman Timeline

Jane Pittman Timeline

Jane Pittman is a fictional character in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. This novel tells the life story of a 110 year old African-American woman born into slavery, and still alive at the time of the Civil Rights Movement.

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman

The Autobiography Of Miss Jane Pittman

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman is a 1974 film, based on a book, about a black woman's life from slavery to the Civil Rights era.

Directed by: John Korty
Starring: Cicely Tyson, Richard Dysart, Odetta Holmes

6 Facts about the Catalpa Tree and its Historical Uses

Catalpa speciosa flowers, leaf, and bark
(Public Domain)

Catalpa trees will grow quickly and can reach heights of up to 80 feet. The average and expected height of most Catalpas will be around fifty feet. This tree grows the quickest during its first ten years, reaching about twenty feet tall before it slows down.

The Catalpa is a deciduous tree whose varieties can grow nearly everywhere in the United States.

Northern and Southern Catalpa varieties available for purchase as either seeds or saplings

Visually, and feature-wise, you'll notice its blooming white flowers in the spring. Creating a unique look not seen on many trees. Especially not on trees that can grow as large as the Catalpa. Also, later in the season, you'll see the development of its seed pods. When autumn comes, the leaves of the tree will turn brown and fall off once the first heavy frost occurs. Along with its seed pods.

Some consider the Catalpa tree, with its flowers, to be an ornamental tree. Its white flowers certainly do grab your attention.

The Southern Catalpa tree has been known to be used as a medicine with its bark being boiled to make a tea. Other past uses of the trees leaves, flowers, bark, and roots were as a treatment for snake bites,

whooping cough and malaria. The flowers have been used as a treatment for asthma or as a light sedative. Its pods have also been used as a light sedative. Lastly, the leaves were used as a poultice for wounds. Though it's not recommended you use it for any of these purposes unless you know what you're doing.

The most common species of the Catalpa tree are the Chinese Catalpa, the Northern Catalpa, and the Southern Catalpa. The Catalpa tree also goes by the Indian bean tree, the cigar tree, and (historically) the Catawba.

Is the Northern Catalpa tree edible?

Parts of the Northern Catalpa tree are edible, but not very tasty or don't have much flavor. The bark, the roots, and the leaves are poisonous.

The flowers aren't poisonous though and have a light sweet sweet taste to them, but they are not really worth picking. As for the bean pods, the catalpa beans are edible but they do not taste all that great -- some say it's like eating cotton mixed with sawdust.

Catalpa Tree Facts, Uses and Planting Tips